Aer Lingus: Ireland needs competition, which is what Aer Lingus provides

Aer Lingus CEO Stephen Kavanagh, speaking at CAPA's Airlines in Transition Conference on 25/26-Mar-2015, stated (25-Mar-2015) Ireland doesn't need Aer Lingus, Ireland needs competition, which is what Aer Lingus provides. The two carrier approach maintained by the Irish Government has been successful, with competition from Ryanair at its doorstep keeping Aer Lingus focused. Competition has been "very good for Aer Lingus".